USA TODAY Co Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

USA TODAY Co. has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, revenue, content, sales, human resources, and information technology.

Driven by trusted journalism, USA TODAY Co delivers essential news and marketing solutions that inform and connect communities and businesses across the United States and the United Kingdom.

Leadership Roles at USA TODAY Co

  • Chairman & Chief Executive Officer - Michael Reed
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Robert Dickey
  • General Manager, Columbus Monthly, Columbus Chief Executive Officer, Columbus Weddings - Katy Smith
  • Chief Financial Officer - Hettie Heaton
  • Chief Revenue Officer - Jason Taylor
  • Content Chief of Staff - Melissa Bodine
  • Sales Chief of Staff - Michelle Smith
  • Executive Assistant To The Chief Human Resources Officer - Debbie Harris
  • Revenue Chief of Staff - Michelle Smith
  • Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer - Paul Ameden
  • Michael Reed - Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

    Michael Reed, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer at USA TODAY Co, directs the overarching corporate strategy and operational execution. Reed guides the company's mission to provide trusted journalism and digital experiences, ensuring alignment across all divisions including the USA TODAY NETWORK, Newsquest, LocaliQ, and USA TODAY NETWORK Ventures. This leadership role involves setting the vision for market expansion and innovation within the diversified media landscape. Overseeing the executive team, Michael Reed ensures that the company's financial health and strategic objectives are met, driving growth and maintaining the integrity of its news and marketing solutions. The Chairman & Chief Executive Officer's purview encompasses all aspects of the business, from content creation to revenue generation, solidifying USA TODAY Co.'s position as a key information provider.
    Michael Reed

    Robert Dickey - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Robert Dickey, the President & Chief Executive Officer at USA TODAY Co, executes the strategic vision and day-to-day operations of the diversified media company. Dickey oversees the delivery of trusted journalism and digital experiences across the United States and the United Kingdom, managing key business units like the USA TODAY NETWORK, Newsquest, LocaliQ, and USA TODAY NETWORK Ventures. This executive role involves driving operational efficiency and fostering innovation to connect communities and businesses through essential news and marketing solutions. Robert Dickey ensures seamless integration of content, technology, and sales efforts to achieve company objectives. The President & Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities include cultivating strategic partnerships and enhancing the company's market presence, thereby supporting USA TODAY Co.'s commitment to informing and engaging its audience.

    Katy Smith - General Manager, Columbus Monthly, Columbus Chief Executive Officer, Columbus Weddings

    Katy Smith, the General Manager, Columbus Monthly, Columbus Chief Executive Officer, Columbus Weddings at USA TODAY Co, manages and directs the operations for specific regional media properties. Smith oversees the strategic direction and financial performance of Columbus Monthly and related wedding publications, ensuring they deliver high-quality content and marketing solutions to the local market. This leadership position involves driving revenue growth and audience engagement within the Columbus area. Katy Smith is responsible for cultivating a strong local brand presence and adapting national strategies to meet regional needs. The General Manager's role includes leading cross-functional teams to achieve operational excellence and market leadership for these distinct publications.

    Hettie Heaton - Chief Financial Officer

    Hettie Heaton, the Chief Financial Officer at USA TODAY Co, directs the company's financial strategy and fiscal management. Heaton oversees all aspects of financial planning, accounting, and reporting, ensuring the economic health and stability of the diversified media organization. This critical role involves managing budgets, analyzing financial performance, and identifying opportunities for investment and cost optimization across all business units, including the USA TODAY NETWORK and Newsquest. Hettie Heaton provides essential financial insights to support strategic decision-making and drive sustainable growth. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities extend to managing investor relations and ensuring compliance with all financial regulations, safeguarding USA TODAY Co.'s assets and profitability.
    Hettie Heaton

    Jason Taylor - Chief Revenue Officer

    Jason Taylor, the Chief Revenue Officer at USA TODAY Co, spearheads all revenue-generating activities and strategies across the company's diverse media platforms. Taylor directs the sales teams and develops innovative approaches to monetize content and marketing solutions offered through the USA TODAY NETWORK, LocaliQ, and other ventures. This executive position focuses on maximizing revenue streams from advertising, subscriptions, and new business initiatives. Jason Taylor works closely with content and marketing departments to ensure a cohesive approach to client engagement and market penetration. The Chief Revenue Officer's mandate includes driving sales performance, expanding market share, and fostering long-term client relationships to achieve USA TODAY Co.'s financial goals.
    Jason Taylor

    Melissa Bodine - Content Chief of Staff

    Melissa Bodine, the Content Chief of Staff at USA TODAY Co, supports the strategic direction and operational efficiency of the company's content divisions. Bodine collaborates with editorial leadership to enhance content quality, streamline production workflows, and ensure alignment with the company's mission of delivering trusted journalism. This role involves coordinating cross-departmental initiatives and facilitating communication between content creators and other key business functions. Melissa Bodine plays a vital part in optimizing content strategy to engage audiences across the USA TODAY NETWORK and its affiliated publications. The Content Chief of Staff's focus is on driving innovation in storytelling and ensuring the effective dissemination of news and information.

    Michelle Smith - Sales Chief of Staff

    Michelle Smith, the Sales Chief of Staff at USA TODAY Co, enhances the effectiveness and efficiency of the company's sales operations. Smith supports the Chief Revenue Officer in developing and implementing sales strategies, optimizing sales processes, and ensuring seamless execution across all revenue-generating teams. This position involves coordinating sales initiatives, managing key performance indicators, and facilitating communication between sales, marketing, and product development. Michelle Smith plays a crucial role in driving sales performance and fostering a culture of success within the revenue organization. The Sales Chief of Staff's responsibilities include analyzing market trends and identifying opportunities to expand sales reach and revenue potential for USA TODAY Co.

    Debbie Harris - Executive Assistant To The Chief Human Resources Officer

    Debbie Harris, the Executive Assistant To The Chief Human Resources Officer at USA TODAY Co, provides comprehensive administrative and operational support to the human resources leadership. Harris manages executive schedules, coordinates meetings, and facilitates communication to ensure the smooth functioning of the HR department. This role involves handling sensitive information and supporting initiatives related to employee relations, talent management, and organizational development. Debbie Harris plays an integral part in maintaining HR operational efficiency and supporting the strategic goals of the company's workforce. The Executive Assistant's contributions are essential for the effective management of human capital at USA TODAY Co.

    Michelle Smith - Revenue Chief of Staff

    Michelle Smith, the Revenue Chief of Staff at USA TODAY Co, drives strategic initiatives and operational improvements within the company's revenue-generating departments. Smith collaborates closely with the Chief Revenue Officer to refine sales processes, analyze market performance, and implement strategies that boost revenue across all platforms. This role involves coordinating cross-functional projects, managing key performance metrics, and ensuring alignment between sales efforts and overall business objectives. Michelle Smith is instrumental in optimizing revenue streams and enhancing the effectiveness of the sales organization. The Revenue Chief of Staff's focus is on driving growth and maximizing profitability for USA TODAY Co.

    Paul Ameden - Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer

    Paul Ameden, the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at USA TODAY Co, directs the company's technology strategy and information systems infrastructure. Ameden oversees the development and implementation of robust IT solutions that support the delivery of trusted journalism and digital experiences across the United States and the United Kingdom. This leadership role involves managing all aspects of information technology, including cybersecurity, data management, and digital platform development for the USA TODAY NETWORK and its subsidiaries. Paul Ameden ensures that technology investments align with business objectives and drive operational efficiency. The Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer's responsibilities include fostering innovation in technology to enhance content delivery and marketing solutions.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Media & Internet

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding USA TODAY Co Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads USA TODAY Co?
    USA TODAY Co is led by Michael Reed (Chairman & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Robert Dickey (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Katy Smith (General Manager, Columbus Monthly, Columbus Chief Executive Officer, Columbus Weddings).
    Who is part of USA TODAY Co’s executive team?
    The executive team of USA TODAY Co includes leaders such as Michael Reed (Chairman & Chief Executive Officer), Robert Dickey (President & Chief Executive Officer), Katy Smith (General Manager, Columbus Monthly, Columbus Chief Executive Officer, Columbus Weddings) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does USA TODAY Co have?
    USA TODAY Co has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in USA TODAY Co’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of USA TODAY Co includes roles such as Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, General Manager, Columbus Monthly, Columbus Chief Executive Officer, Columbus Weddings, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Revenue Officer.